2013 NFL Mock Draft: 1st-Round Projections

Early this week, I released my list of top 10 offensive prospects. Now comes my first—the first of many—2013 NFL Mock Draft. Too soon? Never. The draft is a never-ending business; a topic always open for discussion. Truth is, we're always looking in the rearview mirror at past picks or looking ahead to future possibilities.

While draft order and players selected are subject to change—it is, after all, only September—here it is, the full first-round of projections based on team needs.

1. Oakland Raiders: QB Geno Smith, West Virginia

It's time to pull the plug on the Carson Palmer experiment—and the Terrelle Pryor one, before it ever even began.

2. Cleveland Browns: DE/OLB BarkeviousMingo, LSU

After focusing primarily on bolstering the offense in last year's draft, the Browns go defense here and select a pass-rush machine.

3. Tennessee Titans: OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia

Jones' 70 total tackles, 49 quarterback hurries, 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss in 2011 is too tempting to pass on.

The Colts address a pressing need by drafting the top defensive tackle on my board. Despite attracting double teams, sometimes triple, on a regular basis, Lotulelei consistently disrupts plays behind the line of scrimmage.

7. Miami Dolphins: DE Bjoern Werner, Florida State

Of course the Dolphins are taking notice of Werner's current season: 6.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss through three games.

8. Carolina Panthers: DT Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State

Hankins is an ideal run-stuffing, pass-rushing 330-pound tackle to anchor the middle of the line.